River Place - December 2012 by Peel, Inc.

RIVER REVIEW

December 2012

Volume 6, Issue 12

Photo by Mia Sanchez

NEWS

F OR

THE

R ES I DE NT S

River Review - December 2012

RI V E R

P L A C E

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River Review - December 2012

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ADVERTISING INFO Please support the advertisers that make River Review possible. If you are interested in advertising, please contact our sales office at 512-263-9181 or advertising@peelinc.com. The advertising deadline is the 8th of the month prior to the issue.

ARTICLE INFO The River Review is mailed monthly to all River Place residents. Residents, community groups, churches, etc. are welcome to include information about their organizations in the newsletter. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, recipes, special celebrations, and birthday announcements are also welcome. To submit an article for the River Review please email it to riverreview@peelinc.com. The deadline is the 15th of the month prior to the issue.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS EMERGENCY NUMBERS

EMERGENCY................................................................911 Fire...................................................................................... 911 Ambulance.......................................................................... 911 Sheriff – Non-Emergency...................................512-974-0845 Hudson Bend Fire and EMS Emergencies....................................................512-266-1775 Information......................................................512-266-2533 SCHOOLS Leander ISD.........................................................512-570-0000 Cedar Park High School.......................................512-570-1200 Vandegrift High School........................................512-570-2300 Four Points Middle School...................................512-570-3700 River Place Elementary.........................................512-570-6900 UTILITIES River Place MUD................................................512-246-0498 City of Austin Electric........................................512-494-9400 Texas Gas Service Custom Service........................................... 1-800-700-2443 Emergencies....................................................512-370-8609 Call Before You Dig........................................512-472-2822 AT&T New Service................................................ 1-800-464-7928 Repair.......................................................... 1-800-246-8464 Billing.......................................................... 1-800-858-7928 Time Warner Cable Customer Service............................................512-485-5555 Repairs.............................................................512-485-5080 IESI (Trash).........................................................512-282-3508 OTHER NUMBERS River Place Postal Office....................................512-345-9739 NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER Peel, Inc...............................................................512-263-9181 Article Submissions.......................... riverreview@peelinc.com Advertising....................................... advertising@peelinc.com

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River Review - December 2012

RIVER REVIEW The River Review is a private publication published by Peel, Inc. It is not sanctioned by any homeowners association or organization, nor is it subject to the approval of any homeowners association or organization, nor is it intended, nor implied to replace any publication that may be published by or on behalf of any homeowners association or organization. At no time will any source be allowed to use the River Review contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in the newsletter is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc.

DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.

Table of Contents AROUND RIVER PLACE 6 8 10 11 14

River Place Garden Club News Giddy Up Gala Traveling With Your Pet Over The Holidays? Travis County Tax Bills for 2012 Community-Wide Food Drive

SPORTS NEWS 16 17

Junior Lady Vipers Basketball Club Tennis Tips

NEWS YOU CAN USE 18 19 20 21 22

Austin Newcomers Club Think Adoption Lake Travis Fiction Writers Hone Genres Poised or Poisoned? Teen Girls in Transition Recipe of the Month

BUSINESS SECTION 24

Seven Business Networking Groups In The Area

IN EVERY ISSUE 12 Classifieds 25 Teenage Job Seekers

Modern Medicine. Compassionate Care.

COVER PHOTO

Do you take great photos?

Do you take great photos? Would you like to see your photo published? We are looking for great cover photos for upcoming issues of the River Review. All photos submitted must represent River Place or the surround area. Our deadine for submittals is always the 9th of the month prior to the issue. All photos should be submitted electronically by the deadline date in high resolution (300 dpi) to riverreview@peelinc.com. Portrait (vertical) photos work best. To view other photos submitted please visit www.PEELinc. com/RiverPlace, and view any of the past newsletters. By submitting your photo you agree to allow your photo to be published in future issues of the River Review or other Peel, Inc. publications. If your business is interested in sponsoring the cover call 512-263-9181 to find out how to be featured on the cover of the Lakeway Voice.

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Dr. Frank, Dr. Mindi, and the Metzler Family 4

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RIVER REVIEW RIVER PLACE

Garden Club News Submitted by Angela Plunkett On Saturday, November 10th, the RPGC put down wildflower seed at the trail head entrance (the blocked one) on River Place Blvd. There were over thirty different varieties of wildflowers spread over the area. The seeds included coneflower, larkspur, flax, cosmos, black eyed susan, Indian paintbrush, and of course the most recognizable wildflowers: bluebonnets.

Knowledge, Integrity, & Hard Work.

Paul & Jan Gillia

Do Not Pay 6% To Sell Your Home! Our full service listings are now 4.5%. We Also Do Leasing. Call or Email Before You List! 512-388-5454 • pgillia@austin.rr.com www.homeselect360.com The Right REALTOR Makes All the Difference! 6

River Review - December 2012

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River Review - December 2012

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Save the Date for the Largest Fundraising Gala for All Eight Four Points Area Public Schools Hill Country Education Foundation Gala Set for February 23, 2013 The Hill Country Education Foundation, the Four Points area Academic Booster Club, will host its Third Annual Giddy Up Gala on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at the Oasis Restaurant. Along with a sit-down dinner and open bar, guests will enjoy participating in a raffle for a highend lady’s and man’s gift, sponsored by the Arant Real Estate Team, along with the popular and entertaining Heads or Tails Game, emceed by VHS Football Coach Drew Sanders. Evening activities will also include live and silent auctions, an important Fund-A-Need for our high school and a live band. Table purchases and sponsorship options will be available. Learn more at www.HillCountryEdFoundation.org.

River Review - December 2012

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River Review - December 2012

RIVER REVIEW Traveling with your pet over the holidays? HERE ARE SOME TIPS THAT WILL HELP MAKE YOUR DRIVE SMOOTH SAILING.

Submitted by Kristen West

Not your typical River Place real estate gal. I’m an Engineer with an MBA. Go figure. Tedious research and attention to detail is part of my DNA. Simply put, I know my stuff...and my clients know that when I show them market data, they can bank on it. Having lived and worked in River Place, Steiner, and Grandview Hills, I know Four Points like a schematic. And on the softer side, I’ve got a mother’s sense of what will work for your family...and what won’t. I’m a top-selling real estate agent with over ten years experience who will work her tail off for you. So call today, and get results with a Realtor® who knows how to use both sides of her brain.

1. Take your pet on short trips prior to the big day to let him get used to traveling by car. 2. Keep your pet safe in a secured, well-ventilated crate or carrier. It should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. Letting him have free range in the car not only puts him at risk, but it also poses a risk to your family if you were to stop suddenly. 3. Never let your dog travel in the bed of a truck. Even if he is secured on a short line to prevent him falling or jumping out, your pet can experience discomfort from the weather and wind or sustain injury from debris. 4. Feed your pet three or four hours prior to departure and avoid giving him any food or treats in the car. 5. Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle, which can quickly become a furnace and cause heatstroke, even with open windows. In cold weather, the car holds the temperature like a refrigerator. 6. Your pet’s microchip should be up-to-date and he should be wearing a flat collar and ID at all times. 7. Bring a bowl and extra water in case you get stuck in the inevitable holiday traffic jam! 8. Take lots of breaks to let your pet stretch his legs and relieve himself. It’s a great excuse to do some sight-seeing or pick up a fun treat for yourself!

Margaret (Reed) Jolly* 512.496.2281

Margaret.jolly@kw.com * Formerly with ReedThompson Homes

w w w. m a r g a re t j o l ly h o m e s . c o m NW AustiN REAl EstAtE spEciAlist Canyon Creek • Steiner ranCh G r a n dv i e w h i l l S • r i v e r P l a C e 10

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Signed, Sealed, and Delivered:  Travis County Tax Bills for 2012 Should Be In Your Hands! Submitted by Tina Morton, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector & Voter Registrar

If you own property in Travis County, chances are you already received a 2012 property tax bill. Over the past several weeks, 269,550 bills hit mailboxes. And if you are among the 122,569 homeowners who escrow through a mortgage company or lending institution, don’t worry, the mortgage company probably requested the bill and will pay your property taxes. But you might want to check with them to be sure. Anyone who needs a tax bill can download a copy at www. traviscountytax.org or call (512) 854-9473 to request a mailed copy. "All taxpayers or their mortgage companies should have received their bills,” said Travis County Tax Collector Tina Morton. “Especially for owners of multiple properties, this is the time of year to make sure you have received the bills for all of your properties." The deadline to pay 2012 property taxes is January 31, 2013. Morton said many taxpayers want the advantage of federal tax deductions that require taxes be paid by the end of the year. Any

payment postmarked by December 31 will be recorded as a December payment regardless of when the payment arrives by mail. Payments can be made in person at any of the five tax office locations during normal business hours. Taxpayers can deposit checks or money orders in the tax office drop box after hours or pay online by credit card at www.traviscountytax. org by midnight, December 31. “Some taxpayers believe that if they do not receive a bill, they are not liable for tax payment," Morton said. “Taxpayers are responsible for requesting a tax bill if they do not receive one.” Seniors and disabled taxpayers may take advantage of a special provision in the law that allows for four installment payments with no penalty and interest provided payments are made before February 1, April 1, June 1 and August 1. Last year 3,943 eligible property owners participated in the program. Senior and disabled taxpayers interested (Continued on Page 12)

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River Review - December 2012

RIVER REVIEW Travis County Tax Bills (Continued from Page 11) in the installment payment plan should call (512) 854-9473 for details. One of the most common questions this time of year concerns the ability to pay taxes. "If you can't pay any or all of your tax bill, please call or come in to our main office on Airport Boulevard and make payment arrangements," Morton recommended. “You don’t need to wait until the deadline. We can assist taxpayers even before the bill becomes delinquent.” The Travis County Tax Office main location is 5501 Airport Boulevard, between Koenig Lane and 531 1/2 Street. The office opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Drive-through service is available. Satellite offices open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. and include the following locations • East Austin – 4705 Heflin Lane at Springdale and MLK Blvd (drive-through service) • Oak Hill Office – 8656 Highway 71W Building B, second floor • Pflugerville Office – 15822 Foothill Farms Loop (drive-through service) • Southeast Office – 4011 McKinney Falls Parkway (drive-through service)  Call (512) 854-9473 for assistance.

River Review - December 2012

Personal Classifieds FOR SALE: BEAUTIFUL THOMASVILLE Dining Table and Chairs..Buffet Optional.. Hemingway Collection... EXCELLENT CONDITION.. Seats up to 12..... DISCOUNTED 50 PERCENT. SELLING for $4,320.00...... Buffet SELLING for $1,353.00. Table dimensions- 72”-114”L x 48”w x 30” h. Buffet- 73”L x 20-1/2”d x 36” h. Email-gfults22@ yahoo.com. Pictures upon request or Lv message 512-345-2329.

Want to place an ad? Classified Ads

Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to River Place residents, limit 30 words, please e-mail to riverreview@peelinc.com. Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please Peel, Inc. Sales Office at 512-263-9181 or advertising@PEELinc.com.

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River Review - December 2012

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Bartlett Real Estate Group

Community-Wide Food Drive Exceeds Past Years’ Collections During the first week in November, Bartlett Real Estate Group – Keller Williams Realty –partnered with The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas for their annual community-wide food drive. Carrie Mendez of Bartlett Real Estate Group said, “We are so proud of the generosity of our Four Points community…this year we collected more food than ever! For the third year in a row River Place resident and owner of Wheaton Van Lines, Steve Lancashire of Wheaton Vans Lines generously loaned us one of his moving trucks which we filled with food for those in need!” Wheaton Van Lines is part of a nationwide program called “Move for Hunger.” Move For Hunger is a non-profit organization that works with moving companies across the country to pick up unwanted, unopened food from those who are relocating and deliver it to local food banks across the country. “Move For Hunger has given our company the opportunity to promote hunger awareness to each and every one of our customers,” says Lancashire. “We are so excited to team up with Bartlett Real Estate Group on this project in a time when the food bank needs it the most.” Bartlett Real Estate Group of Keller Williams Realty is one of the most successful real estate groups in Austin and is a partnership of

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top producing agents who are dedicated to community involvement. Their next Community Service Challenge will benefit the Junior League’s 26th Annual Coats for Kids coat collection and distribution. If you would like to make a donation, you can stop by our office located at 6816 RR 620 N (next to the Boathouse Grill) or contact Shannon Kramer at 512-658-0720 or ShanKramer@hotmail.com.

*There is a World of Difference Between Covering a Surface With Paint* And Painting

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Ommm sweet Ommm. There’s a place close To home where you can lose yourself and rediscover your spiriT all in one afTernoon.

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10/8/12 2012 1:36 PM 15 River Review - December

RIVER REVIEW Junior Lady Vipers Basketball Club We would like to invite you to join the JUNIOR LADY VIPER BASKETBALL CLUB! The goal of the JLVBC is to promote a greater awareness of and provide support to the Girls’ Basketball program at Vandegrift High School. The club provides a fun way to encourage young female athletes to work hard and to compete in Lady Viper basketball programs in the future. As a JLVBC member you may wear your t-shirt to the games, sit together as a group and yell for the Lady Vipers!! Below are more exciting things to look forward to as a JLVBC member: *A Junior Lady Viper Basketball T-Shirt *Recognition at half time of varsity games *Free admission to Lady Viper Basketball games ( You must be wearing your “Junior Lady Vipers Basketball” t-shirt) *Special treats at home district games *Open to any female LISD student enrolled in 1st-6th grade

Send the portion below and payment to the address given **Membership fee is $30 and includes a t-shirt and admission to Lady Viper home games (for JLVC members only) Make checks payable to Lady Viper Basketball Booster Club Send to: 10200 James Ryan Way, Austin, TX, 78730 Student Name:___________________________________ Phone number:___________________________________ Address:__________________________________________ City:_____________________ Zip:_____________________ Grade:_________ Email Address:____________________ T-Shirt Size (circle one) ADULT or YOUTH: (Circle One) SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

X LARGE

ALL PARENTS MUST SIGN A WAIVER IN ORDER FOR YOUR DAUGHTER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CLUB ACTIVITIES WAIVER OF CLAIMS: “I hereby release any claim I might have against Leander Independent School District, or any of its agents, which might arise from any injury or other damage my child might incur while on the property of LISD or while participating in any activity sponsored by LISD.” Parent/Guardian Name:_______________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature:____________________________________________ Emergency Numbers:_________________________________________________ 16

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Date:_________________

RIVER REVIEW By USPTA/PTR Master Professional Fernando Velasco Owner, Manager and Director of Tennis Grey Rock Tennis Club, Austin, TX

HOW TO EXECUTE THE FOREHAND VOLLEY

In previous newsletters, I offered tips on how to hit a forehand groundstroke, a two-handed backhand and a one-handed backhand. In this issue, I will give you instructions on how to execute a forehand volley for a right hander. This stroke is used whenever the player is forced to hit a ball in the air. In these pictures student Camille Palafox demonstrates the proper form and technique. Photos by her husband Charlie Palafox. Step 1: Ready Position: The body is facing the net. The right hand is holding the end of the racket in a forehand grip position and the left hand is next to the right hand. The left hand is holding the racket slightly tighter than the right hand. Feet are a shoulder width apart and the body is in equal balance. For beginners it is okay to use the forehand and backhand grips for the forehand and backhand volleys. As the player gets stronger and the balls come at a faster speed, it will be best to use the continental grip for both volleys. Step 2: Back Swing: Since the volley is usually executed when a player is close to the net and there is very little time to react to the

incoming ball, the back swing is very short. The right arm should take a short turn and the head of the racket should align to the flight of the ball. The right wrist should be “cocked” back slightly and the head of the racket should be above the wrist. Eyes are still focused on the incoming ball. Here I am helping Camille to feel the hand on the racket to tilt back and still keep the head of the racket above her wrist. Step 3: Point of Contact: The right foot is now taking a step forward and the racket is making contact with the ball. It is important to keep the left shoulder closed and not rotate the right hip too early. Flexing the right knee will allow more flexibility to find the proper point of contact and give power to the ball. Step 4: Follow Through: Once the racket has made contact with the ball, the follow through is very short to allow the player to immediately get back to the ready position. The left arm should be close to the body. Look for in the next Newsletter: The Two-Handed Backhand Volley

River Review - December 2012

RIVER REVIEW AUSTIN NEWCOMERS CLUB Austin Newcomers is dedicated to introducing new residents to Austin while extending a hand to make new acquaintances and join fun Interest Groups. Our program this month is Malcolm Nelson directing the choir First Edition. Mr. Nelson is currently in his seventh year as choir director at McCallum Fine Arts Academy. First Edition is the premier mixed choir at the McCallum Fine Arts Academy. Its members are auditioned each year and chosen because of their singing ability and commitment to excellence. The group performs all types of music but is best known for its seasonal offerings and pop Broadway style. Members of First Edition have performed at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City Each year First Edition sings at numerous private parties, celebrations and luncheon meetings. This promises to be a lively and popular program. The monthly luncheon will be held on Wednesday, December 5 at Green Pastures Restaurant, 811 Live Oak St, Austin TX 78704. The luncheon is $20 per person; reservations are required, and payment must be received by Thursday, November 29. The club website is www.AustinNewcomers.com and the telephone number is (512) 314-5100.

In the Neighborhood?

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THINK ADOPTION

RIVER REVIEW

by Sarah Bremer As I walked through the Dog Adoption Center at Austin Pets Alive for the first time a month ago, I admit that I was nervous about what I would find when I entered the external hallways housing the organizations adoptable dogs. Nervous because the last time I visited the animal center at Town Lake Austin was still a kill city and the experience left me worried and anxious about whether or not the animals I came into contact with would still be alive the next day. I took a deep breath and walked through the bright red door. On the other side I found a large open courtyard with several fenced in play areas, each occupied with potential adopters getting to know one of the organization’s adoptable dogs. Encouraging staff and volunteers hustled from one part of the courtyard to the next tending to the needs and nourishment of the 150 (give or take) dogs housed at APA’s Town Lake Center. I took my time and walked through each part of the dog adoption area- observing the color coded signage (green for walkable and photographing them as they met their puppy for the first time. I met a red for adoption counselor assistance) and short vignettes describing each single mom looking for a dog that would be able to keep up with her nine dog. I paused at the pen holding “Barbie” and read her story carefully. She year old son. I made the acquaintance of Max, Sasha and Katie who were is a nine year old pit mix whose family of seven years had recently moved excitedly waiting with APA foster parents, Monica Delgado and Chelsea on without her; she had spent her first few nights in the shelter trembling. Ruiz, for their mom to complete the adoption paperwork for Butterfly. My heart broke. I put my hand to the chain linked gate fence, a small effort The people I spoke with had any number of reasons for adopting a pet, to ease her anxiousness. It was greeted by a cold nose that timidly sniffed but the two (perhaps the obvious two) that stood out were to save a life at the flesh of my overturned palm. Gradually that shy initial contact gave and to be a part of something larger than one person or one animal. way to tongue licks and tail wags. There are so many stories and so many With cold weather moving in, the holidays fast approaching and recent animals looking for homes. I breathed a sigh of relief – Barbie would still funding and inspection issues for Austin Pets Alive (for more information, be alive tomorrow. So much hope. But, hope that needs constant tending visit http://www.austinpetsalive.org) the organization hopes that you’ll be by the community – a hope sprung from donations, volunteers, foster interested in adoption as a way to grow your family. The adoption process families and, perhaps most importantly, adopters. is informative and thorough and any one of the organization’s adoption Adoptions are the bread and butter of animal rescue organizations counselors will enthusiastically and empathetically guide you through the like Austin Pets Alive. The best possible outcome is to see animals find process. For APA, one adoption is one more life that can be saved and good, loving forever homes so that more animals can be rescued – and in one more step to maintaining Austin’s No Kill Status. If you’re looking APA’s case, particularly from shelters where adoptable pets are at risk of for a new pet, consider stopping by APA’s Town Lake Animal Center or euthanasia. In putting together the photos for this essay, I was privileged any one of their off-site adoption locations. Counselors will work with to speak with several individuals and families considering adoption from you to find a pet that matches your needs and personality, advise you on Austin Pets Alive. I met one family who had recently lost their young everything from veterinary care to potty training, work with you to address boxer. They weren’t sure they were ready for a new pet, but they were at any behavioral concerns that may be facing your potential companion least ready to start looking. I talked with one couple who were excitedly and provide you with phone numbers to offer you assistance of all kinds. adopting an 8 week old puppy – a sibling for their 14 month old dog If you’re contemplating a new pet for your family, consider adoption and their second adoption from Austin Pets Alive. I had the pleasure of and consider Austin Pets Alive. Save a life. Be a part of something BIG.

Let me address your Holiday cards in calligraphy for only $0.30 per envelope! Free pick up and delivery in River Place 6 beautiful scripts to choose from Email swirlcalligraphy@gmail.com or call Rebecca 512.585.4330  

River Review - December 2012

RIVER REVIEW Lake Travis Fiction Writers Hone Genres

To be commercially successful, debut authors must select a commercial genre, whether that be romance, mystery, young-adult, thrillers or other category and sub-category defined by publishers and literary agents today. To help debut authors choose a genre for their novel, the Lake Travis Fiction Writers, sponsored by the Bee Cave Public Library, will present “What’s Your Genre: The Evolving Target” on Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Old Bee Cave School House. Presenter and group organizer Pat Evans will review today’s various fiction genres and highlight which are selling well. Afterward, member-writers will have a roundtable discussion about their current projects. Evans has a master’s degree in creative writing and literature and has taught writing at the University of Missouri, Kansas City and at the Austin Community Schools. She is working to publish her first novel TO LEAVE A MEMORY. “Unfortunately, my novel falls under the vast genre of ‘literary fiction,’ which is what I learned to write in college long ago. Trouble is, ‘literary fiction’ by a debut author is a very tough sell, according to literary agents I’ve queried. That’s why my next novel will definitely fall into a commercial genre, this time women’s fiction,” Evans says. The Old Bee Cave School House is located between the Bee Cave police and fire stations at 13333 Texas 71 Hwy., tucked in the southeast corner of the Hill Country Galleria. To attend, please e-mail AustinWriterGirl@Yahoo.com. There are no dues, but a $1 donation is requested to cover refreshments and materials.

HOLIDAyWishes2012 Each year, neglected and abused children in the Austin area must be removed from their homes by Child Protective Services caseworkers. Separations occur all year, but it is especially difficult during the holidays. Partnerships for Children is making a difference in the lives of these children and we invite you to join us by participating in our Holiday Wishes program. With your help, how many children can we impact this year? Please contact us at:

512.834.4756 holidaywishes@partnershipsforchildren.org

River Review - December 2012

GET INVOLVED:

✓ SPONSOr a child by purchasing items from their wish list

✓ MAkE a donation and we will shop for you ✓ DONATE general gifts for children that are not matched with community donors ✓ OrGANIzE a drive to collect gifts commonly requested on children’s wish lists Thank you for your support! Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

RIVER REVIEW TEEN GIRLS IN TRANSITION | by Sugandha Jain WHAT ARE ALPHA GIRLS? The term comes from a 2006 book of the same name by Dr. Dan Kindlon, a child psychologist at Harvard University. Dr. Kindlon interviewed nearly 1,000 girls, in 6th - 12th grades, before writing the book. In it, he describes Alpha Girls on the cusp of incredible achievement. Statistics released by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, from studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, seem to bear this out in terms of academics. Girls consistently outperform boys in reading and writing: the 2004 NAEP reading scale results show that girls’ outscore boys by five points at age nine, 10 points at age 13, and 13 points by age 17. Young women also head to college in larger numbers: they currently encompass 58% of students enrolled in two- and four-year colleges. “Young women are achieving more than young men,” says Dr. Linn Goldberg, a professor of medicine at Oregon Health and Science University. Dr. Goldberg has conducted extensive studies on drug and alcohol use among adolescents. He says girls simply aren’t falling prey to the same pitfalls as boys. “They are less likely to be deviant and be engaged in many harmful behaviors, such as substance use and abuse,” he says. What’s more, says Dr. Kindlon, is that girls aren’t just succeeding, they’re doing so in a psychologically healthy manner. “Today, we have a generation of girls who have more psychological skills to play both the feminine roles and the roles that men played in the past,” says Dr. Kindlon. “They are poised to do great things.” HOW CAN PARENTS RESPOND? Parents of Alpha Girls likely are proud when their daughters exhibit high achieving traits; some may think their girls aren’t prone to any particular problems. Either way, it’s important for parents to convey the message that girls don’t have to be “perfect” to be successful and happy in life. Teaching girls media literacy—how to evaluate the information they receive through television, magazines and other media—is one way to help them combat potentially harmful messages. Several organizations offer parents tools to do this, including the Center for Media Literacy and Commercial Alert. Parents also have to be vigilant about being models of appropriate body image. This means mothers, in particular, have to mean what they say when they talk with their daughters about their bodies. A mother shouldn’t in one breath tell her daughter she is perfect and beautiful, then in the next make disparaging comments about her own body, says Ms. Martin. Most important: parents should focus on their daughter’s well being as well as her achievements—and consistently convey the message that there are myriad ways to be successful in life. “Help your daughter develop her potential,” says Dr. Diane Halpern, a psychology professor at Claremont McKenna College in California and the author of Sex Differences in Cognitive Abilities. “The only way parents can do that is to make sure that their daughters have a wide range of opportunities and know what their choices are.” Copyright © 2012 Peel, Inc.

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River Review - December 2012

RIVER REVIEW INGREDIENTS: • 1 C butter, softened • 3/4 C finely chopped • 1/2 C powdered sugar pecans • 1 t vanilla • 1/4 t salt • 2 1/4 C all-purpose • Powdered Sugar to roll flour in DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter with 1/2 C powdered sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir in flour, nuts and salt until the dough holds together. With clean hands, roll dough into 1 inch balls and place about 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 - 12 minutes or until set but not brown. Remove from cookie sheet, cool slightly, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. This makes about 40 cookies.

Whether you call them Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, these treasures will melt in your mouth! Always on our Christmas Cookie making list, there are so many variations of the recipe. What I am sharing with you today is the best of my best - tweaked here and there - but with amazing results.

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River Review - December 2012

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RIVER REVIEW

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River Review - December 2012

RIVER REVIEW

Seven Business Networking Groups in the Area

ARE YOU LOOKING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS IN 2013? If so, you might be interested in a few of the business networking groups in the area. These are a few to choose from: STEINER RANCH REFERRALS BNI GROUP Meetings are on Tuesday mornings from 8:00am to 9:30am at Uncle Billy's at the Oasis. Visitors are welcome! If you are interested please contact Michael Bennett at michael@bennett-tech.net for more information or visit www.BNIAustin.com. FOUR POINTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Four Points Chamber of Commerce provides networking opportunities at social gatherings, luncheons with guest speakers and activities. The Chamber brings businesses together along highway 620 from Hudson Bend to Anderson Mill and Ranch Road 2222 from Jester to Volente. Four Points Chamber supports business growth in the community where we live, work and play. In less than 6 months Four Points Chamber of Commerce exceeded its first year membership goals and continues to grow! For information about participating in upcoming events or membership benefits visit www.fourpointschamber.com or call (512) 551-0390. Membership inquiries may also be sent directly to membership@ FourPointsChamber.com. NETWORKING NORTHWEST AUSTIN Networking Northwest Austin is expanding its member base of businesses in our area. We believe in business by referrals and having a limited member base. We have a caring, positive, involved group of people who wish to build their businesses using the strength business referrals. No fees. Business education and speakers. Networking Northwest Austin meets on the second and fourth Mondays at 11:30 at Cheddars HWY 183 and Anderson Mill Rd. Visit http://www. meetup.com/NetWorking-NorthWest-Austin/ STEINER RANCH MARKETERS MEETUP GROUP

Join other marketers who live in Steiner Ranch and work in online marketing, search engine optimization, affiliate marketing,

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Steiner Ranch has a new business networking group. Your Local City is a positive, membership based, business networking organization with 17 groups meeting all over the Austin area. The Steiner Ranch group meets every Friday at 8:00 am at Lakeside Pizza and Grill located in the Shops at Steiner Ranch at Steiner Ranch Blvd. and Quinlan. Come join us to grow your business. LAKEWAY NETWORKING, INC. We are a diverse group of business professionals in the Lake Travis area, helping our members grow their businesses through qualified referrals. We meet every Thursday at 8AM at Santa Catarina, 1310 RR 620 South, in Lakeway. Come visit us and see how your business can benefit by being a member of Lakeway Networking. For more information, please contact Kelly Connor at Kellyconnor@austin. rr.com or 512-736-2495.5. A+ REFERRALS BY THE LAKE BNI (LAKEWAY) BNI is a professional business networking group that helps you build a team of partners to market your business. Come join us on Mondays from 11:30-1:00pm at Fore in Lakeway. Lunch is $10 and visitors are welcome. Please feel free to contact Kimberly McLaughlin at kimberly@LaHaPro.com or visit www.BNIaustin.com for more information.

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River Review - December 2012

Sudoku

RIVER REVIEW

The challenge is to fill every row across, every column down, and every 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9. Each 1 through 9 digit must appear only once in each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box.

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View answers online at www.peelinc.com DOWN ACROSS 1. Incline 1. Tack 2. Change 5. Giant 3. Small particle 9. Philippine dish with marinated 4. Compass point chicken or pork 5. Night bird 11. Journalist's question 6. Body snatcher 12. Tiny insects 7. Cultivate 13. Cut of beef 8. Volcano 14. School group 10. Change into bone 15. South 16. Musical productions 17. United States 18. Canadian prov. 18. Bottle need 19. Palladium (abbr.) 20. Upset 20. Many 22. Cow's chow 21. Perfect 23. Year (abbr.) 22. Captain (abbr.) 24. Computer makers 24. Institution (abbr.) 27. Brews 25. Swain 29. Sleep disorder 26. African country 31. Parent teacher groups 28. Fast plane 32. Strong rope fiber 30. Pastry 33. Bend 34. Decorative needle case © 2006. Feature Exchange

Crossword Puzzle

SUDOKU

Sudoku

The goal is to fill in the grid so that every© 2006. row, Feature everyExchange column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Each digit may appear only once in each row, each column, and each 3x3 box.

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River Review - December 2012

RIVER REVIEW

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River Review - December 2012

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River Review - December 2012